Numbers

John Rechy exploded upon the literary scene in 1963 with the modern classic CITY OF NIGHT. In NUMBERS, Rechy again turns to the dark corners in the world of hustled sex between men.

Johnny Rio, a handsome narcissist, is haunted by thoughts that the advancing years might signal that his time is drawing to an end. In an attempt to escape he travels to Los Angeles, the scene of pas sexual conquests and youthful radiance. But in the "city of lost angels", the only centainties for Johnny are his ten-day stay and the need to draw the "numbers" - the men who will confirm his desirability. Like a retired boxer led by an overwhelming force to return to combat, Johnny stalks the dark balconies of all-night theaters, the hot sands of gay beaches, and the shady glens of city parks, attempting to attract shadowy sex-hunters in an obsessive battle against time.